Susie Wolff became the first woman to participate in an official Formula 1 session in over two decades but an oil pressure problem with her Williams FW36 left her stranded on track after just four laps. She will return to the Williams cockpit in free practice at Hockenheim.

A dismal session for Williams was concluded by Austria pole sitter Felipe Massa, who suffered a near-repeat of his accident from last season's Friday practice session.

Massa ran wide on the exit of Stowe and spun onto the inside of the circuit before striking the barrier, with his FW36 sustaining significant damage. The session was stopped for over 15 minutes while the Williams was recovered. Massa was not hurt in the accident.

A couple of other drivers encountered a difficult session due to technical issues. Pastor Maldonado stopped at the end of the pit lane and was wheeled back to the garage, while Caterham reserve driver Robin Frijns was struck by an electrical issue which causes a misfire in his Renault power unit. The Dutchman was able to return to the track for the final part of the session, where he set the 20th fastest time.

Marcus Ericsson’s session ended in the run-off on the inside of Becketts after he lost the rear of the CT05. He tried to re-join the track but beached the car on the grass verge.